samueljr

IT'S HERE!

You guys heard it - PARTY AT CHUCK'S!

You guys heard it - PARTY AT CHUCK'S!

You mail them out yet?...............
 
(Last one - promise)

Lucky I missed church today

What number was I?
 
Just wondering............

Lucky I missed church today

Lucky I missed church today

What number was I?
 
Just wondering............

Lucky I missed church today

What number was I?
 
Just wondering............

You mail them out yet?...............
 
(Last one - promise)

You mail them out yet?...............
 
(Last one - promise)

Lucky I missed church today

What number was I?
 
Just wondering............

Lucky I missed church today

What number was I?
 
Just wondering............

Lucky I missed church today

Just wanted to give you guys an update.  I actually have 12 barge kits all made.......that is all except for the castings.  These take such a long time to do by hand.  I was all set to start casting them when out of the blue one of the companies I had contacted got back to me.   I had contacted dozens of firms to outsource the resin casting for the kits but most would not take such a small job.   
 
But this year is already looking up!!!  One such company has decided to cast my pieces and I am very excited about that.  This is a huge development for me,  I would hardly be able to spend time developing new stuff if it took so much labor to make every part on my own.  I just couldnt handle doing this work manually.
 
As wonderful as the news is,  it means that these 12 barge kits will be just a bit longer before I can offer them for sale.  I am sending the masters down to these folks and they promise a quick turn-around.  As soon as these guys deliver the castings I can release these kits and make many more so much quicker now.  It took me 3 or 4 days to cast all the parts for six kits by myself.   It just wasnt doable.  And these guys are professionals who do this all the time.  They cast and design resin figures.  So these parts should be great and better than anything I could make.
 
Sorry for the continued delay but I want everything in these barge kits to be just perfect.   
Chuck
 
 

Well I thought I'd put the start of the plans out here and get the thread up and running. 
 
I'm still counting out and converting block and line sizes (makes for hours of fun for the whole family)
 
I have to actually do it twice as I'm going to use Chuck's (SyrenModelingCompany) blocks and line but I also have to have the comparable product accounted for from Expo/Shipway as well that will be included in the kit.
 
In addition to the rig I have to draw out and construct the remaining open launches, draw and create the additional anchors and a few other details (ideas) that I have.
 
I'll say it now (although I'm certain I'll say it again) there will be no sail plan.
 
Sam
 
 
ESSEX RIGGING PLAN 062013.pdf

And just to let everyone know I am still working on models.....not just a hippie activist.
 
Today the step was built.  It has a laser etched slot to aid in its assembly.  Then at the bow there is what I would call a "standard" of sorts.   It has a hole in it to help secure the pole for the flag.   Another will be drilled through the platform below it but I figured it would be damn near impossible to laser cut the hole on the platform and then line them up so the pole is straight.  So I will be drilling with the bit running through the hole in the standard making sure that afterwards the pole will sit upward and straight.  
 
Except for a very few details inboard,  the inboard part of the project is complete.  NNow I will move outboard and begin to finish up the carvings.   Then after that its the home stretch.    Happy modeling everyone!!!!  
 

 

 

 

 

 

The starboard side is (rough) planked up to the bottom of the rail. 
 
It bears noting that even though pre-sanded, the commercially obtained basswood strips' thickness is inconsistant. They will be sanded progressively until a uniform and smooth surface is achieved. This will involve going thorugh about 4 - 5 grit levels to remove material and return an acceptable surface for finishing.
 
The gunport stripe and wales were finished in the same manner as the port side. The anchor stock planking joints once painted are passingly visable. Anything heavier would be structurally threatening to the ship!
 
Sam

BEAUTIFUL JOB STEVE!
 
Sam